Four years have now passed since the demise of the really good times for global M&A practitioners and deal makers. Another half year has come and gone and the ongoing economic uncertainty is still affecting deal making.

Michael O’Leary tends to be a CEO that polarises public opinion, but no one can doubt his achievement in taking Ryanair, the low cost Irish carrier founded in 1985, from a small provincial operation to one of Europe’s largest and most profitable airlines.

When you think of leading cider producing nations, I think it’s fair to say that Belgium doesn’t automatically spring to the forefront of one’s mind. Belgian chocolate, beer and moules-frites are the culinary delights I’m sure most of us associate with the country. However, on Friday it was announced that Netherlands-listed global brewer Heineken had acquired Stassen SA, the Belgium-based cider manufacturer.

Perhaps the next time you think about sending a message to friends or family, take a moment to remember that the way you send it - electronically or by “snail mail” - does ultimately have a much wider economic impact.

Zephyr director Lisa Wright shares her analysis and opinion on news and trends in M&A, private equity, venture capital and IPOs. Lisa’s insight and experience comes from 15 years of working with products that track deal activity.